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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchTo run ham radio CAT control software, you need a computer and compatible control application, a transceiver that supports computer control, a connection the radio and computer can use, and the radio-specific settings that let them communicate. That connection might be USB or serial, a compatible interface cable or adapter, or a network interface on equipment that supports one.
What CAT control does
CAT stands for Computer Aided Transceiver control. It lets software communicate with a radio to control supported functions. The WSJT-X User Guide describes CAT control of relevant features on most modern transceivers, while Hamlib provides an open-source library that gives applications a consistent interface to supported radios.
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What you need for a working setup
A computer and compatible application
The computer must run software that supports your transceiver and operating system. Requirements vary by program and version, so check the application’s documentation rather than assuming that one program’s requirements apply to all CAT software.
A radio with computer control
Confirm that your transceiver supports CAT, then check its manual to identify the control port or network interface and any required settings. A radio’s audio connection alone does not establish that it supports CAT control.
#1 Best Overall
- Machine molded plug, fully shielded cable.
- work with HAM radio software Ham Radio Deluxe, Fldigi, Echolink, MixW, Digipan etc, compatible windows 7 &10,11.
- work with model: FT-991A FT-1000MPmkVField FT-1000MP FT-450D FT-450AT FT-450 FT-950 FT-2000D FT-2000 FTDX-9000 Contest FTDX-5000D FTDX-3000 FTDX-9000 FTDX-9000D FTDX-9000MP FTDX-1200
- Work with model: TS-2000, TS-2000X, TS-B2000, TS-2000E TS-570S, TS-570D, TS-570DG, TS-570SG TS-590SG, TS-590s, TS-990s TS-870S, TS-890s TM-D700A, TM-D700E TS-480, TS-480HX, TS-480SAT
- Cable length: 6', package included: 1x USB CAT interface cable
A compatible connection
The radio and computer need a communication path they can both use. Depending on the equipment, that may be a serial connection—including RS-232 or USB—or an interface such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. Hamlib’s interface overview describes these as options found across amateur transceivers; any particular radio may support only some of them.
If the radio does not provide a suitable built-in connection, you may need a radio-compatible CAT cable or adapter. There is no universal cable: check the radio’s connector and interface requirements before choosing one. General documentation about common interfaces does not prove that a particular cable works with a particular radio model.
Rank #2
- New Geniune FT232RL Chip import from UK . upport Windows7/8/10/XP/Android/Mac/Linux/Vista/Mas OS
- Length: 6ft/180cm, Connector : USB to Mini 8 Din Serial Port .
- Works for Yaesu FT-100 FT817 FT-857 FT-897 FT8-817ND FT-857D FT897D radio programming cable CT-62 CAT
- FTDI USB Programming Cable for Yaesu Radio , With Injection molding 8 Din, it is easy use in daily life (prevent soldering point fell apart).
Correct control settings
For serial control, the application may ask for the computer’s serial port, baud rate, data bits, stop bits, and handshake method. Use the values specified in the transceiver manual. The WSJT-X CAT-control guidance warns that an incorrect handshake setting can prevent communication; some configurations also require appropriate RTS or DTR control-line settings.
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A control path that is not already occupied
Software may connect directly to the radio, or it may communicate through another rig-control application’s server. In WSJT-X, the documented rig-control choices include Hamlib NET rigctl, Flrig, DX Lab Suite Commander, Ham Radio Deluxe, and Omni-Rig. If another program already has a direct connection to the radio, use a supported server connection or close the competing connection before attempting direct control.
Rank #3
- Build in CT-62 FIF-232c interface, no other interface required, direct connect radio and PC.
- Work with HAM radio software Ham Radio Deluxe, Fldigi, Echolink, MixW, Digipan etc, compatible windows 7 &10, windows 11.
- work with model: FT-747GX, FT-747SX, FT-767GX, FT-767SX, FT-1000D, FT-1011, FT-1021 FT-3800, FT-3800H FT-736R, FT-980, FT-990 FRG-100, FRG-8800, FRG-9600, FRG-965
- Cable length: 3', package included: 1x USB CAT control cable
How to choose a cable or adapter
Start with the exact transceiver model and its manual, not with a generic “ham radio USB cable” description. Compare the interface options against these requirements:
- Radio compatibility: The manufacturer or documentation should identify the exact radio model or supported interface.
- Connection type: Match the radio’s control port and the computer-side connector; a USB plug by itself does not establish that the cable provides CAT control.
- Function: Confirm that the product supports CAT control, rather than only audio or another function.
- Computer support: Check operating-system compatibility and any stated driver or configuration requirements.
If compatibility is not stated for your model, do not assume the cable will work. Consult the radio or interface manufacturer’s documentation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Combines audio codec, CAT control and PTT switch while using a single USB connection to computer
- Works for HF, VHF, UHF. Use it with FT8, FT4, JS8Call, RTTY, SSTV, WinLink, APRS, VaraHF, VaraFM, Soundmodem
- Allows fully featured CAT control in capable transceivers and reliable adjustments free PTT with HTs and basic mobile radios
- Pre-made transceiver cables are available for popular Yaesu, ICOM, Kenwood, Elecraft, Baofeng, Xiegu, Lab599 and other brands. Trivial homebrew cable build with instructions in the community forum.
- The interface works with all major OS flavors: Windows, MacOS and Linux. Driver update may be needed in some systems - see instructions for the link.
Rank #4
- COMPATIBLE WITH POPULAR YAESU TRANSCEIVERS: Specifically designed for FT-857, FT-857D, FT-897, FT-897D, FT-817, FT-817ND, FT-818, FT-818ND, FT-100, and FT-100D. Enables CAT control, memory programming, and firmware updates via the 8-pin Mini Din DATA port.
- ORIGINAL FT232RL CHIPSET: Built with authentic FT232RL USB-to-serial controller with TTL 5V logic level output. Provides superior driver stability, broad OS compatibility, and reliable communication for ham radio applications.
- CT-62 REPLACEMENT CABLE: Serves as a direct replacement for Yaesu CT-62 interface cable. Features USB 2.0 Type A Male on one end and 8-pin Mini Din Male on the other — eliminates the need for separate USB-to-serial adapters.
- TTL 5V Logic Level for Accurate Signal Transmission Operates at a TTL 5V logic level, providing accurate signal transmission and reliable data communication essential for programming and controlling Yaesu transceivers.
- MULTIPLE LENGTH OPTIONS: Available in 1.0M (3.3FT), 1.8M (6FT), and 3.0M (10FT) lengths. 26AWG*3C bare copper conductors with PVC jacket for reliable signal integrity.
Basic setup and troubleshooting
- Identify the radio’s control interface. Consult the transceiver manual for CAT support, the required port or network connection, and the specified communication settings.
- Connect the computer and radio. Use the built-in interface or a compatible cable or adapter. If it is a serial connection, identify the port created by the radio or interface on the computer.
- Configure the control application. Select the correct radio model and connection path, then enter the serial settings from the manual where applicable. Set RTS or DTR as required.
- Resolve connection conflicts. If a second program is controlling the radio, connect through that program’s supported rig-control server or close its connection before testing direct control.
- Run a CAT test if the application provides one. WSJT-X includes a Test CAT function that reports whether communication has been established. If the test fails, recheck the selected port, serial settings, handshake, and control-line states against the radio’s instructions.
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